Family of Phoenix Hit-and-Run Victim Seeks Answers Over a Year Later

New AAA report shows deadly hit-and-run crashes reaching record highs nationwide, with over 7.5% of crashes in Arizona involving a driver who left the scene.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The family of Leandro Antonio, a 43-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run accident in Phoenix in late January 2025, is still searching for answers more than a year later. Police have little evidence beyond a torn-off car fender, and the driver who struck and killed Antonio has not come forward. This case is part of a troubling trend, as Arizona sees thousands of injuries and dozens of deaths from hit-and-run crashes each year.

Why it matters

Hit-and-run crashes are notoriously difficult to investigate, often lacking key evidence and witness testimony. This case highlights the pain and frustration felt by families who lose loved ones in such incidents, with the perpetrator evading justice. It also underscores the broader public safety concerns around the rise in deadly hit-and-run crashes across Arizona and the country.

The details

Leandro Antonio was struck and killed by a driver while crossing Dunlap Avenue near 16th Avenue in late January 2025. His sister, Sara Antonio, described him as the life of the family's large gatherings. Police found little evidence beyond a torn-off car fender, and the driver has not come forward. Former law enforcement officer Mike Butler noted that hit-and-run cases are especially challenging, often relying on witness testimony to crack the investigation.

  • Leandro Antonio was killed in a hit-and-run accident in late January 2025.
  • More than a year has passed since Antonio's death.

The players

Leandro Antonio

A 43-year-old man who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Phoenix in late January 2025.

Sara Antonio

Leandro Antonio's sister, who described him as the heart of their large family.

Mike Butler

A former law enforcement officer who now works in executive security, and who noted that hit-and-run cases are especially difficult to investigate.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He was just outgoing, you know, loved his family. We have a big family. Our family gatherings are not the same because he was like the life of the party.”

— Sara Antonio, Leandro Antonio's sister (abc15.com)

“There really was not too much detail that the police or the investigators could find other than it was a car and just the fender, the front bumper was torn off. Whoever hit my brother is out there still.”

— Sara Antonio, Leandro Antonio's sister (abc15.com)

“It's very difficult for law enforcement to zero in who was driving the vehicle at that specific time.”

— Mike Butler, Former law enforcement officer (abc15.com)

What’s next

The Phoenix Police Department is continuing to investigate the case, and anyone with information is asked to contact them or call Silent Witness.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the growing problem of hit-and-run crashes in Arizona and across the country, which often leave grieving families without answers or closure. It underscores the need for improved public awareness, stricter laws, and more effective investigation techniques to address this alarming trend and provide justice for victims.